by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 20, 2023 | Lifestyle Tips
A recent investigation by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) and the leading mobile wallet GCash, has led to the discovery of certain gambling sites and apps which were used for account takeovers in the recent surge of phishing scams.
Additionally, some influencers may have unknowingly promoted these gaming apps without being aware of their fraudulent nature. GCash is now cautioning its users to be extremely careful when accessing online gambling sites and apps and to avoid them altogether if possible.
In this latest scheme, perpetrators created gambling apps while falsely claiming to be accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). These apps deceive users with a verification process, redirecting them to a fake GCash website or payment page to top up betting credits. From there, fraudsters were able to access sensitive information such as credit card details, passwords, GCash numbers, MPINs, OTPs, and other personal data that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.
Pebbles Sy, GCash CTO
“The trust and safety of our customers remain our top priority which is why we are relentless in ensuring the public is made aware of phishing scams related to online gambling. This goes hand-in-hand with our world-class security features and innovations that give our users additional layers of protection against evolving threats,” emphasizes GCash Chief Technology and Operations Officer, Pebbles Sy.
Last month, the leading mobile wallet announced its collaboration with various law enforcement agencies to further investigate a thwarted phishing attempt which was rectified by the GCash cybersecurity team on the same day they monitored the incident. GCash’s internal investigation traced the phishing link to fraudulent messages masquerading as SIM card registration.
“Our intensified collaboration with law enforcement authorities will continue to expose these scams, but we encourage everyone to join this crusade by staying informed about phishing,” adds Sy.
GCash continues to be in close cooperation with law enforcement authorities, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).
GCash reiterates its warning to users never to share their MPIN or OTP with anyone and to avoid clicking on unknown links from websites, emails, or messaging apps.
For assistance, users can contact the PNP-ACG through their hotlines at (02) 8414-1560 or 0998-598-8116, or via email at ac*@*****ov.ph. To report scams and other fraudulent activities, users can also visit the official GCash Help Center in the app or at help.gcash.com, message Gigi and type “I want to report a scam.” Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for inquiries and other concerns.
About GCash
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
GCash is a staunch supporter of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly UN SDGs 5,8,10, and 13, which focus on safety & security, financial inclusion, diversity, equity, and inclusion as well as taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, respectively.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 17, 2023 | Entertainment
The Philippine Ballet Theatre has a mission to relay age-old tales of the Filipino people reflecting our country’s culture. They aspire to create and perform stories deeply rooted in our heritage. PBT will open its 37th season with a brand-new full-length Filipino ballet entitled “Ibalon”.
Lifting from the well-known Bicolano epic “Ibalon”, Artistic Director and Choreographer Ronilo Jaynario focuses on the love story of Handyong (The Warrior) and Oryol (The Cursed Creature). Jaynario emphasizes that his choreography is a re-imagination of a love story against a backdrop of Philippine mythology. Indulging in creative liberties he created nuances and plot twists to make the story a powerful display of love in movement. He hopes to leave his audience captivated with colorful dances inspired by Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
This story will be luxuriously told with original music by Paulo Zarate. Zarate explains that in creating the music, his approach was an exaggeration of what the music would have sounded like in ancient times. Filipino instruments in that period were more percussive and rhythmic. He took this into consideration but added bold and moving melodies, incorporating details of Filipino elements that he researched, to make the music more epic. Zarate wanted to create music that would have a theatrical or cinematic effect on the audience, pushing them to the edge of their seat in excitement or sweeping them into the love story of Handyong and Oryol.
Matthew Davo as the warrior Handyong and Eloisa Jessa Tangalin as the cursed princess Oryol will take you on a voyage into the heart of our culture and history. With PBT’s rising stars, the storytelling of our ancestral stories will come alive with music and dance.
Together, Jaynario and Zarate wanted to leave a lasting imprint on Philippine Dance history. Nobody talks about old Filipino stories anymore, but creativity can change that. Something new and something old can create beautiful captures of our culture. PBT’s “Ibalon” runs from July 28, 2023, to July 29, 2023, at the beautiful Samsung Theater. All proceeds from July 29 will benefit the fundraising campaign for the 65th Anniversary of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards.
| Title | Ibalon |
| Venue | Samsung Performing Arts Theatre |
| Date and Time of Performances | July 28, 2023, Friday 8:00 pm |
| July 29, 2023, Saturday 8:00 pm |
For ticket inquiries and reservations, you may contact the following numbers.
- Landline: 86711697
- Mobile: 09688708887
- Via Ticketworld: and 8891-9999/ ticketworld.com.ph
- Or message their social media platforms on Instagram and Facebook Page.
Ticket prices
- P2500 – Orchestra Center
- P2,000 – Orchestra Sides
- P1,500 – Loge
- P 500 – Balcony I
- P350 – Balcony II
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 15, 2023 | Events
Rizal Park Hotel is thrilled to announce an exceptional Father’s Day celebration, offering an array of enticing promotions and indulgences for dads and their loved ones. From luxurious room packages to delectable dining experiences and sweet surprises, Rizal Park Hotel has curated a memorable Father’s Day weekend to honor and appreciate fathers.
An all-in Father’s Day Room Package:
For only P10,000, treat Dad to a well-deserved getaway with an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room. The package includes breakfast for three at Cafe Rizal and a sumptuous dinner or lunch, also for three, at Cafe Rizal. It’s the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories and show appreciation to the special man in your life.
Feasts for Dad:
Cafe Rizal is pulling out all the stops to satisfy Dad’s cravings with an extraordinary feast. On June 18, indulge in “A Trio of Roast Beef” featuring Top Blade, Rib Eye, and Tenderloin, accompanied by an assortment of Japanese, Chinese, and Western favorites. The lunch buffet is available from 12 noon to 3 pm, while the dinner buffet is served from 6 pm to 9 pm. The price per person is P2,000, offering an unforgettable dining experience for the whole family.
All dads dining at Café Rizal buffet will have the exciting opportunity to ‘Pick a Prize!’ Special gifts await from Luminisce, JG Superstore, and Tiger Sugar.
Special Set Menu at Imperial Court:
Imperial Court’s special set menu is a culinary masterpiece designed to delight and impress. Gather the family and indulge in a memorable dining experience. Price starts at only P20,000 per table for 10 guests, this culinary journey promises to create treasured moments.
The Deck’s Buy One, Take One Beer:
Raise a toast to Dad at The Deck, where you can enjoy a buy one, take one offer on beers from June 16 to 18, between 4 pm and 8 pm. For only P150 per bottle, savor your favorite brews with stunning views of the city skyline as the backdrop.
Sweet Gestures for Dad:
Surprise Dad with a sweet treat on his special day. Rizal Park Hotel presents a selection of special cakes available for pre-order from June 13 to 16. Choose from an exquisite assortment including Red Velvet (Tools Theme), Chocolate (necktie theme), and Lemon Zest Cake (beer theme) priced at P2,000 per cake. Make Dad’s Day even sweeter with these delightful creations.
For reservations and more information, please contact 0917 622 9280. To know more about Rizal Park Hotel and its facilities follow https://www.facebook.com/RizalParkHotel and https://www.instagram.com/rizalparkhotel1911/
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 14, 2023 | Book Reviews
Female main characters come in all shapes and forms but this is probably the first time I’ve encountered one who is pretty much a tomboy. In Fake and Don’t Tell by Rebel Bloom, Poppy grew up with 5 brothers and if that wasn’t enough to make her a certified tomboy she also has 3 male best friends she’s known since they were in diapers. Despite all that testosterone in her life, she was still girl enough to fall in love with Andrew.
For 10 years, Andrew has been mean and unkind to Poppy and only used her sexually when it was convenient for him. Poppy, on the other hand, worshipped the ground he walked on. They eventually broke things off when Andrew said that Poppy was not mature enough for them to marry.
A couple of years later they meet again at Poppy’s family reunion. Why? Because he was engaged to her younger cousin! As if that wasn’t bad enough, they add insult to injury and invite her to the wedding. She has no desire to attend but isn’t given much of a choice so she needs a fake boyfriend, stat!
Enter her best friends: Jude, Cyrus, and Sam. They have known each other for years. At her SOS they go to her house and wait for her to arrive. She tells them what happened and somehow the idea of one of them being her fake date comes up. But how does she choose? Poppy ends up kissing them one after the other to help her decide, but that opens a different can of worms.
From hanging out every week at a sports bar, going to each other’s houses to drink beer and shoot the breeze, and playing baseball with her friends and brothers … now their thoughts are occupied with kisses, hardons, and so much more! I’m on Team Why Choose so I was rooting for all three men from the get-go but I was curious how this would play out.
It was so much fun! To be honest, it wasn’t the intention of the author but I actually forgot about Andrew, lol! Poppy’s encounters with Jude, Cyrus, and Sam were just so different and eye-opening (and dare I say, fun!)
I also need to mention her lovely family from her parents to her brothers who are all very loving and supportive. I don’t want to say more. This was just so much fun to read so I think you should check it out yourself. 🙂 Fake and Don’t Tell by Rebel Bloom is on Amazon for $2.99 but if you have Kindle Unlimited, it’s free!
I kid you not, at the moment this is my favorite story written by Rebel Bloom.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jun 12, 2023 | Video reviews
When Magic Mike came out in 2012 I was quite eager to watch it (admittedly) because of Channing Tatum. I fell for his boyish charm and delicious body in Step Up and followed his acting career since. To date, there are three Magic Mike movies. The first one came out in 2012, the second in 2015, and the latest one came out this year in February 2023.
As with the previous movies, Magic Mike promises and delivers hot, sexy dancing with half-naked men on stage. What makes this installment unique for me is that it explores the romance between an older woman and a younger man. How hot is that? Also, even I have to admit that I thought casting Salma Hayek in the movie was hot!
Complex dance routines
Does anyone else here remember her in the 1996 Quentin Tarantino film called From Dusk ‘Til Dawn where she played the role of the sexy snake dancer in the club? If you are curious about it, go ahead and click on the image on the left to bring you to the video clip of that scene.
The highlight for me in this movie is the uber-sexy private dance Channing gave Salma Hayek in the first few minutes of the movie. I don’t know how much acting Salma was doing there since she really looked like she was into it. In her shoes, I certainly would! Yes, please! Let me touch Channing’s chest and abs, too!
First of all, it’s Channing Tatum giving the lap dance. Second, the dance is called Permission and you can see from the movement that he isn’t touching her or doing anything without her permission. Third, as they traverse the room I marveled at their athleticism and the sexy choreography.
The dance in the rain looked like it must have been difficult to choreograph and execute but Channing and (I think it was) Kylie Shea executed it flawlessly. The precision and the emotion you could see portrayed in the dance were just amazing to watch. The number is long but worth watching. I actually paused and had to rewind it just to watch it again. It was just that good!
Gif taken from the Sydney Morning Herald website
Where’s the old cast?
Will the old cast still be there? Yes, but not to dance. All they give us is a group video call. Instead, we get a new group of hotties put together for this male revue.
The new cast of Magic Mike
They are all excellent dancers but raw when compared to Channing. Some of their movements look outright lascivious instead of effortlessly sexy. Curious about this movie yet? Here’s the official trailer to give you a sneak peek.
Is it just me or is Channing looking better with age? I’ve heard him say in interviews how he goes through a very strict workout and eating regimen every time they have to shoot Magic Mike just to be sure his body is in the right shape. I’ve seen him “off-season” when he just lets it go so it is easy to believe him when he says that he starves himself for the shoots.
Boxers or briefs?
If I may add, Channing in boxer briefs is so damned hot. To be honest, I’ve always found regular briefs or those tiny little Speedos made me uncomfortable … like a guy would just pop out past the waistband if he got aroused. Boxers bothered me, too. I don’t think it is healthy to just let it “all hang out”, you know? It’s just one step away from commando. If the guy is well-endowed you’d have a snake going down his leg.
Boxer briefs are the perfect marriage of the two. Black boxer briefs are sexy as hell, especially on Chan.
Slipping back into Magic Mike
Acting-wise, the role is not very demanding for him, I think, and since it is the same role, slipping into it even after 8 years was probably easy. That being said, I thought this was definitely fun to watch.
GCash (G-Xchange, Inc.) is the #1 Finance App in the Philippines. Through the GCash App, users can easily purchase prepaid airtime; pay bills at over 1,600 partner billers nationwide; send and receive money anywhere in the Philippines, even to other bank accounts; purchase from over 6M partner merchants and social sellers; and get access to savings, credit, loans, insurance and invest money, and so much more, all at the convenience of their smartphones. GCash is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mynt (Globe Fintech Innovations, Inc.), the first and only duacorn in the Philippines which is a part of the country’s leading digital solutions platform, Globe Group.
The Philippine Ballet Theatre has a mission to relay age-old tales of the Filipino people reflecting our country’s culture. They aspire to create and perform stories deeply rooted in our heritage. PBT will open its 37th season with a brand-new full-length Filipino ballet entitled “Ibalon”.
Matthew Davo as the warrior Handyong and Eloisa Jessa Tangalin as the cursed princess Oryol will take you on a voyage into the heart of our culture and history. With PBT’s rising stars, the storytelling of our ancestral stories will come alive with music and dance.
Surprise Dad with a sweet treat on his special day. Rizal Park Hotel presents a selection of special cakes available for pre-order from June 13 to 16. Choose from an exquisite assortment including Red Velvet (Tools Theme), Chocolate (necktie theme), and Lemon Zest Cake (beer theme) priced at P2,000 per cake. Make Dad’s Day even sweeter with these delightful creations.
For 10 years, Andrew has been mean and unkind to Poppy and only used her sexually when it was convenient for him. Poppy, on the other hand, worshipped the ground he walked on. They eventually broke things off when Andrew said that Poppy was not mature enough for them to marry.
The highlight for me in this movie is the uber-sexy private dance Channing gave Salma Hayek in the first few minutes of the movie. I don’t know how much acting Salma was doing there since she really looked like she was into it. In her shoes, I certainly would! Yes, please! Let me touch Channing’s chest and abs, too! 
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